Footprint Center Guide

Footprint Center is a sports and entertainment complex located in downtown Phoenix, AZ. It was once known as Talking Stick Resort, US Airways, and America West arenas. Since it opened in 1992, it has served as the permanent home of the Phoenix Suns, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the IFL’s Arizona Rattlers. When not hosting sporting events, you’ll find dozens of star-studded shows and concerts each year. The arena has hosted favorite artists like Fleetwood Mac, the Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, and others as well as other entertainment such as Disney on Ice, WWE wrestling, and the Harlem Globetrotters. With a large population and mild winters, Phoenix is an obvious stop for some of the biggest names in show business.

Inside the arena, guests will find several concession stands, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations at gates 118-119. If you’re in the mood for something a little better than concession food, check out the Levy Restaurant connected to the arena, but move quickly as tables fill up fast! Footprint Center also emphasizes state-of-the-art security to help guests feel safe throughout the visit including electronic door alarms, guards provided by the Phoenix Police Department, and a secure bag check for any cumbersome items.

Footprint Center Facts

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Capacity: 18,422
• *Walk-ability: 9/10

What to Expect When You Arrive

Security Policies at Footprint Center: Each entrance including the Suite entrances on the upper floors features metal detectors and a bag check. Bags larger than 13x13x6 are prohibited beyond this point. The arena does an excellent job of opening several entrances before shows helping guests move quickly through entries, but you should still leave yourself enough time before the show starts just in case.

Parking near Footprint Center: There are several lots and garages within walking distance of the arena that vary in price depending on how close you want to park. The best spot is the 5-story garage attached to the arena, but spaces are limited to the public. Footprint Center also partnered up with ParkWhiz to help reserve spots before you arrive.

The arena also encourages using public transportation. There is a Phoenix Light Rail stop directly in front of the main entrance and your ticket grants you a free ride on event nights. On the west entrance, you’ll find a rideshare lane for anyone wanting to use an Uber or Lyft. Be sure to check with Lyft for codes and discounts specific to the arena.

Footprint Center Luxury Seats vs. Value Seats

Typically, when we talk about luxury seats, the main options are the floor seats, but the real luxury seats at Footprint Center are in the lounge areas on the Mezzanine floor. The Effen Vodka lounge offers gourmet food, two premium bars, and great views of the stage for a truly luxury experience. Be ready to break the bank on these seats due to the amenities, but you won’t find a better experience in the arena. The lounge isn’t open for every show, so make sure you check for availability. If you still want the floor seats, which are unique on their own, check sections A-C and be prepared for an up-close experience, and don’t forget your earplugs!

Footprint Center features a spread-out seating style, so the lower bowl has a small incline meaning you will start losing sound quality as you get further from the main floor. For the best value seats in the arena, skip the lower bowl altogether and grab sections 217-219 and 202-205. You still get excellent sound quality and great views.

Top Restaurants Near Footprint Center

Downtown Phoenix features a dining and entertainment complex known as City-Scape across from the arena entrance. You’ll find several options for dinner and drinks as well as more live music venues. It’s easy to find something great close by, and here are some recommendations for the best restaurants near Footprint Center.

The stylish, upscale Arrogant Butcher is a buzzy steakhouse cross from the arena’s main entrance. It’s the perfect spot to treat yourself before or after the event. The restaurant is open late, and the outdoor seating is fantastic for people watching. Be ready for the upscale prices, but the Arrogant Butcher is worth the experience.

If you want sushi near Footprint Center, Squid Ink Sushi Bar is a reasonably priced, trendy restaurant with plenty to offer for everyone. Don’t let the name put you off. The service is great, and you have a wide variety of sushi and Japanese fusion to choose from on the menu. As with many “ultramodern” sushi establishments, the atmosphere is an experience all its own.

To keep the party going after your event, head over to Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen. The restaurant has more to offer than a great live music lineup. The late-night bites are a tasty treat, but with more than 60 beers on tap and great cocktails, Copper Blues is the perfect place to end your night.

Best Hotels near Footprint Center

Directly across from the arena’s main entrance, you can stay at the hip Kimpton Hotel. This slick, boutique hotel offers a unique rooftop pool and lounge. The #4 ranked hotel in Phoenix according to Tripadvisor, the Kimpton comes in at a very reasonable rate without sacrificing the luxurious feel.

A two-minute walk north from the arena puts you at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. The stylish, four-star property features the Compass Arizona Grill, which offers Southwestern fare and stunning 360-degree views of the downtown Phoenix area. If you want four-star treatment without breaking the bank, this Hyatt Regency location is an excellent choice.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly without losing the charm of downtown Phoenix, the historic Hotel San Carlos has been in continuous operation since 1928. Each of the 128 rooms is individually decorated to stay in line with the local, boutique feel of the hotel. Still only an eight-minute walk, the Hotel San Carlos takes you back in time and stays easy on the wallet.

Other Attractions near Footprint Center

For other fun dining and shopping options, be sure to browse the CityScape. We covered a few of the dining options in the section above, but you can find several others in and around the shopping center. Downtown Phoenix is also home to several art galleries, music venues, and other theaters like the Comerica Theater.

If you’re in town during baseball season, Footprint Center is right beside Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. There’s always something fun to do at the ballpark!

*Walk-ability score is based on the proximity of parking, dining, lodging, and other entertainment. Footprint Center has great dining options nearby, but parking is limited, and the hotel options are spread out with only a few within walking distance. Footprint Center received 9/10.

Find the best seats at the Footprint Center. If you plan to attend a Phoenix Suns game or concert you are going to want to find seats that are worth the cost. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.